The Times of India says that a tech specialist in Bangalore has solved the filthy money problem, using silver to kill microbes. Illustration by C.R. Sassikuman courtesy of The Indian Express.

The Times of India says that a tech specialist in Bangalore
has solved the filthy money problem. Rejani Krishnankutty, a
medical nanotechnology worker, will discuss with the Indian government
a proposal to put a “microbiocidal silver nanoparticle coating” on
bank notes to disinfect them.

She said that she “found silver nanoparticle coating acted
successfully against several disease causing micro-organisms like
Staphylococcus aureus, E coli and pseudomonas which infect notes. Due
to its anti-microbial properties, since ages silver has been used to
make jewelry, water storage vessels and medicinal applications to heal
wounds. Now, it has another use.”

She added that silver behaves differently as nanoparticles than it
does in bulk, and, when it broken down as such, “it becomes even more
efficient and effective against at least 12 species of micro-organisms.”

The practicality of the proposal was not addressed, although one
reader commented that the same results could be achieved by exposure
to ultraviolet light.

The Commission of Fine Artsâ recommendation for the Proof 2014 American Eagle platinum coin, left, brought outrage and derision at the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee meeting. The CCAC recommended the design to the right.

The Commission of Fine Artsâ recommendation for the Proof 2014 American Eagle platinum coin, left, brought outrage and derision at the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee meeting. The CCAC recommended the design to the right.

The Commission of Fine Artsâ recommendation for the Proof 2014 American Eagle platinum coin, left, brought outrage and derision at the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee meeting. The CCAC recommended the design to the right.

The Commission of Fine Artsâ recommendation for the Proof 2014 American Eagle platinum coin, left, brought outrage and derision at the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee meeting. The CCAC recommended the design to the right.

The Commission of Fine Artsâ recommendation for the Proof 2014 American Eagle platinum coin, left, brought outrage and derision at the Citizens Coinage Advisory Committee meeting. The CCAC recommended the design to the right.